Bernando LaPallo, an Arizona resident believed to have lived to 114, credited his extraordinary longevity to simple, consistent healthy habits. Born in Brazil in the early 1900s, he spent most of his life in the U.S., guided by his father’s advice: “You are what you eat.” His diet focused on organic foods, fruits, and vegetables, with five staples—garlic, honey, cinnamon, chocolate, and olive oil—forming the foundation of his nutrition. He avoided processed and fried foods, favoring whole ingredients to sustain lasting vitality. LaPallo’s lifestyle blended early rising, daily walks, reading, puzzles, and spiritual grounding through daily Bible study. He believed stress management, rest, and faith were as vital as diet for longevity. In his books Age Less Live More and Beyond 100, he shared his health philosophy and practical recipes, inspiring others to age gracefully. Passing peacefully in 2015, LaPallo left a legacy proving that discipline, moderation, and balanced living can support wellness well past 100.
Long Version
Bernando LaPallo: The Arizona Resident Who Attributed His Remarkable Longevity to Simple Healthy Habits
In an era where reaching the age of 100 is still considered a rare milestone birthday, Bernando LaPallo stood out as a supercentenarian who claimed to have lived to 114 years, embodying the essence of longevity through disciplined wellness practices. Born in Vitória, Brazil, on August 17, 1901—or around 1907–1910 according to some documented records—this Arizona resident and Mesa man became a beacon of health and vitality, inspiring countless individuals with his straightforward approach to aging gracefully. LaPallo’s life story underscores the profound impact of nutrition, diet, and lifestyle on overall well-being, proving that healthy habits can extend life far beyond the average centenarian’s span.
Early Life and Family Influences
LaPallo’s journey began in Brazil before he immigrated to the United States at a young age, settling initially in Philadelphia and later New York City for over 90 years. He eventually made Arizona his home, where he spent his later years in Tempe and Mesa. His father’s advice played a pivotal role in shaping his philosophy on health. As a doctor and herbologist who reportedly lived to 98 or 99, LaPallo’s father instilled principles of obedience and moderation, emphasizing that “you are what you eat.” This mantra guided LaPallo throughout his life, alongside stories of his mother’s longevity to 105 and his grandmother’s to 108, though these claims lack full verification. Outliving two wives and two of his three children, LaPallo’s family history reinforced his commitment to preventive wellness.
The Core of His Longevity: Diet and Nutrition
At the heart of LaPallo’s extraordinary health was his meticulous diet, centered on organic food, fruits and vegetables, and a deliberate avoidance of processed items. He famously credited five foods—garlic, honey, cinnamon, chocolate, and olive oil—for sustaining his vitality into his 110s and beyond. These staples were not mere indulgences but integral to his daily nutrition, each offering unique benefits for anti-aging and disease prevention.
- Garlic: LaPallo incorporated garlic liberally, even adding it to fruit salads, recognizing its antimicrobial properties that support immune health and cardiovascular function.
- Honey: As a natural sweetener and antioxidant-rich substance, honey was a daily essential, promoting digestive health and providing sustained energy without the crashes associated with refined sugars.
- Cinnamon: This spice aided in blood sugar regulation and inflammation reduction, aligning with LaPallo’s focus on metabolic wellness.
- Chocolate: Opting for pure forms, chocolate supplied flavonoids that benefit heart health and cognitive function, proving that moderation allows for enjoyable treats in a balanced diet.
- Olive Oil: Specifically extra virgin olive oil, it was a cornerstone—not just ingested but also applied topically. LaPallo would rub olive oil on his skin after showers to maintain hydration and prevent rusting, as he put it, contributing to his wrinkle-free appearance even at 114 years.
Beyond these five foods, LaPallo adhered to a regimen of mostly organic fruits and vegetables, fatty fish like salmon and sardines, and occasional lamb, while strictly avoiding red meat, fried foods, hot dogs, french fries, and fast food. His meals often included fresh salads dressed with extra virgin olive oil, emphasizing whole, unprocessed ingredients. This approach ensured he never been sick a day in his life, as he claimed, highlighting how targeted nutrition can fortify the body against common ailments associated with aging.
Lifestyle Habits for Physical and Mental Wellness
LaPallo’s longevity extended beyond diet to encompass comprehensive healthy habits that nurtured body, mind, and spirit. He rose early, between 4 and 5 a.m., starting his day with a hot shower followed by anointing his body with extra virgin olive oil. Daily walks in the morning kept him physically active, promoting cardiovascular health and mental clarity. To sharpen his intellect, he was a voracious reader, delving into books on health and other subjects, while regularly solving crossword puzzles and playing checkers. These activities not only combated cognitive decline but also served as stress relievers, as LaPallo noted that “stress is a killer.”
Spiritually, his faith in God was unwavering; he read the Bible daily to “shore up his faith and peace of mind” and lived by the Golden Rule. LaPallo often advised, “Eat properly and get your rest,” underscoring the importance of recovery in maintaining wellness. This holistic routine—combining physical exercise, mental stimulation, and spiritual grounding—formed a robust framework for his enduring health.
Authorship and Sharing Wisdom
LaPallo channeled his insights into authorship, becoming an authoritative voice on longevity. His book Age Less Live More: Achieving Health and Vitality at 107 and Beyond details his daily regime, recipes, and philosophies, serving as a practical guide for readers seeking similar vitality. Similarly, Beyond 100: How to Live Well Into Your Second Century expands on his experiences, offering inspiration for living past the centenarian mark with vigor. Through speaking engagements across the country and his website, he shared recipes and tips, emphasizing obedience and moderation as keys to success.
Later Years, Death, and Legacy
Celebrating milestone birthdays like his 110th and 111th with media attention, LaPallo remained active until his passing on December 19, 2015, in Tempe, Arizona. He died peacefully when his heart stopped, without illness, adhering to his routine until the end. While his claimed age of 114 years positioned him as a supercentenarian, records suggest he was at least 105, with some discrepancies arising from unverified birth documents—possibly a clerical error in Social Security records. Critics noted potential conflicts due to his promotion of longevity products, but his documented age still marks him as a remarkable centenarian.
LaPallo’s legacy endures as a testament to how simple, consistent healthy habits—rooted in proper nutrition, mental engagement, and spiritual faith—can profoundly influence longevity and quality of life. His story reminds us that aging need not equate to decline, offering valuable insights for anyone aspiring to live more fully.
Note
Garlic:
Best Type: Raw, organic hardneck garlic.
Reason: Highest in allicin, the active compound that supports heart, immune, and anti-inflammatory health.
Tip: Crush and let rest 10 minutes before eating to maximize allicin formation.
Honey:
Best Type: Raw, unfiltered Manuka honey (UMF 10+ or higher) or local raw wildflower honey.
Reason: Contains powerful antimicrobial and antioxidant properties; supports digestion and immune health.
Tip: Use unheated to preserve enzymes and nutrients.
Cinnamon:
Best Type: Organic Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon).
Reason: Rich in antioxidants and low in coumarin, which can damage the liver in large amounts.
Tip: Add to tea, oatmeal, or smoothies for blood sugar control and reduced inflammation.
Chocolate:
Best Type: Organic dark chocolate with 85% cacao or higher, or raw cacao nibs.
Reason: High in flavonoids, magnesium, and antioxidants; supports heart and brain function with minimal sugar.
Tip: One to two small squares daily is sufficient.
Olive Oil:
Best Type: Cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil from single-origin, early-harvest olives.
Reason: Richest in polyphenols and oleocanthal, which protect against inflammation and oxidative damage.
Tip: Store in dark glass away from heat; use raw on salads or vegetables, not for frying.
